The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says that the Dutch side is bordering on a dengue fever epidemic.
On two separate occasions in the months of August and September, for two consecutive weeks the number of confirmed cases for that week was five or more.
The increase in the mosquito population is attributed to the heavy rainfall, which is more frequent this year than last year, and the population’s non-adherence to instructions to remove or eliminate mosquito breeding sites/places.
The number of confirmed cases up to and including the week of October 4 is 105 since the beginning of the year; seven of these confirmed cases were reported in the Cole Bay district and six confirmed in Sucker Garden. The remaining cases on a lower frequency were distributed amongst the various districts on the island.
377 lab requests have been carried out; and 18 persons have been hospitalized. Fourteen of these admitted cases were confirmed, three were negative and one was discarded.
There is an increased mosquito population and this is not solely attributed to the aedes aegypti but the culex which breeds in other types of stagnant water.
At this present time there is no concrete plan for fogging. Discussions are underway between the government and a local exterminating company with respect to fogging. The respective contractor must ensure that there are sufficient chemicals, labour and an efficient fogging machine.
Decreasing the mosquito population calls for a combination of two strategies, firstly, the removal of breeding places and fogging. However, considering the environment and the life cycle of the mosquito (aedes agypti), emphasis is being places on the strategy of eliminating mosquito breeding places.
CPS continues to emphasize that home and business owners should check around their properties right after a rain shower and take immediate measures.
CPS is strongly advising, residents to continue to be proactive and take preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to avoid an increase in the mosquito-borne disease dengue fever.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint and eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and a rash. Once a person has developed a fever, the infectious period lasts for about a week. Most people recover without any complications, using pain relievers and bed rest.
The pilot project yard to yard inspections carried out earlier this year revealed a house premise index of eight per cent (international house premise index is five per cent), locally indicating a high number of breeding sites, which ranged from sewage water, waste water, clean water, containers with water and car wrecks.
Home and business owners should check around their properties right after a rain shower and take immediate measures.
Contractors on job sites are advised to take immediate steps by checking around the work site for containers and other items that could hold water. Check around for any stagnant water in yards that could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
An open lot was discovered in Beacon Hill and was full of what appears to be rainwater. The lot was inspected by Controller Johnny Wattley from the Vector & Mosquito Control Unit and treated as well as the lot on W.B. Peterson’s Road in Ebenezer.
CPS strongly recommends that open lots owned by private individuals should be controlled by them and monitored for mosquito breeding. Overgrown vegetation should be cut away. If a mosquito breeding site is discovered, it should be destroyed.
Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses. Wear appropriate clothing and mosquito repellent.